Assam’s Eri Silk Earns Prestigious Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification
Assam’s Eri Silk has been awarded the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, a mark of safety indicating that the textile has been tested for harmful substances from yarn to finished product. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma celebrated the achievement, calling it a proud moment for the state and highlighting the certification’s role in setting benchmarks for textile safety.
In Nalbari, the traditional practice of Eri rearing is gaining traction as a key economic activity. This age-old ethnic practice is fostering economic sustainability and providing significant socio-economic benefits to local communities. Nalbari, home to over 109,000 economically disadvantaged households, is exploring sustainable livelihoods due to its high population density and limited resources.
The district administration has revitalized Eri rearing through initiatives aimed at empowering women, supported by self-help groups under the Rural Livelihood Mission. Efforts include massive plantations of Era, Keseru and Tapioca around 78 newly constructed Amrit Sarovars to support feeder leaf production and enhance green initiatives. Programmes like MGNREGA, NRLM and Amrit Sarovar are integral to these efforts, ensuring both economic and environmental benefits.
